is this computer worth buying?

Question

Brand:
HP
Memory (RAM):
512 MB

Family:
--
Hard Drive Capacity:
20 GB

Processor Type:
Intel Pentium 4
Operating System:
Not Included

Processor Model:
--
Primary Drive:
--

Processor Speed:
1.6 GHz
Condition:
Used

Bundled Items:
--

Manufacture:


HP

Case:


Tower

Model:


Vectra VL420

Processor Type:


Intel Pentium 4

Processor Speed:


1.6GHz

Memory Ram:


512MB

Hard Drive:


20 GB

CD Rom:


Yes

DVD:


NO

Floppy:


Yes

Other Drives:


NO

USB:


Yes, 4 ports (Not Tested) (2 Front 2 Rear)

Modem:


NO

Network Card:


Yes, On- Board (Not Tested)

Sound:


Yes, On- Board (Not Tested)

Video:


Yes, On- Board (Not Tested)

Operating System:


NO

Answer 1

This sounds like a computor in good condition! I say YES!

Answer 2

No. I'm assuming it's a custom built if it doesn't even come with an operating system. You'll have to buy Windows separately which in my opinion is just going to cost you more. 20GB is also very small (The average user has 60-80GB). The processor at 1.6 GHz is also very weak. Again, most computers run at least 3.4 GHz.

To me it seems as if the person is trying to sell you an old model.

It would ultimately depend on how much they want for it. If it's for like $100, yes you should buy it and the install linux on it which doesn't require much space or RAM.

Otherwise, yeah, I wouldn't touch it.

Answer 3

If it costs more than $250, no.

When you are ready to buy a new system, go to www.stupidcheapcomputers.net. I buy all of my stuff from them, and everything is Vista ready.

Microsoft is about to release its latest operating system, Vista, in January. It’s going to make all of these “bargain” computers nothing but JUNK as soon as it’s released. The reason that you are seeing so many cheap systems on the market right now is because a lot of them CAN’T RUN Vista and the merchants are trying to dump them as hard and fast as they can before Vista shows up and everyone learns what a piece of crap they were sold for $500 (or whatever).

Anyway, I bought a complete, new system from stupidcheapcomputers.net with a warranty for LESS than it would cost me to build it myself or order a custom one from the manufacturer. You can use my frequent buyer code: ATX926. That will get an additional 10% discount at checkout.

I have NEVER had any problems with anything that they have sold me and their customer service is outstanding. Those guys blow my mind.

Good luck!

Answer 4

No, that computer sounds very horrible. Unless, its for a kid or something. Otherwise, don't. Not only is it a very outdated computer, but, the brand of it is not good. HP is one of the worse brands, of course ones like Emachines are way worse. I know from experience.

My parents bought a computer that surpassed mine in a few areas, my processor is 2.8 p4, my parents was 3.2 p4. Their ram was double mine, they had x2 hard drive space, and all that good stuff. But, when they started it, it was slower then mine is when it does virus/spyware scanning. On top of that, they put lower grade parts in. They put alot of software in as well which clogs things up. Not only that, but they put spyware in. I ran a spyware as soon as it turned on, never been online or anything, and there was 142 spyware loaded on. Of course they were low - medium threat. When I deleted them, it nearly crashed the computer. HP may be cheap, and I know walmart pushes them, but they are anything but good. (Same with Compaq, they are now the same company.)

So in short, don't buy it. You'll regret it. Save and buy something alot better. Or do what I do, just build one.

Answer 5

Bit of a pig in a poke with no OS. If you have an OS to load, it may be ok. I wouldn't pay much money for it as has only a CD ROM and only a 20 gig HD. It has good RAM so should be fairly fast. With a network card installed you can share an Internet connection as long as another PC you may have also has one. Depends what you're going to use it for. If it's only normal stuff like WP, surfing the web and a few photos and stuff it'd be ok as long as you can get hold of an OS. My wife has a similar 1.2 gig with good ram and it's absolutely fine for her email, photos, and playing online euchre

Answer 6

It sounds like an older computer with a small hard drive and no operating system, if you can get it cheap it might make a good computer, but I wouldn't pay more than 75 to 100 bucks for it.

Answer 7

How much is it? If it's over $250, you'd be much happier with a "great quality" (It's a brand) computer from Fry's, or a similar computer. Some of them include Windows, and use current-day low-end processors (which are better than that computer's P4. Most low-ends today come with a PR of 3000+ or higher these days)

Answer 8

For the 20GB hard drive and low memory? No way. Hewlett Packard? Heck no! I use to own an HP computer when I was in high school. No Operating System=more money to spend? No, deal! You’ll need larger harddrive to install programs (like video games) and store files (like videos and music) and larger memory for primary data storage in loading and using data and applications.
Check around this site for tips on what parts to look for a computer at the best prices:
http://www.mysuperpc.com/
Newegg buying guide
http://images10.newegg.com/UploadFilesForNewegg/itemintelligence/NI_Motherboard/NIC-Buy-AMD_Compatible_Motherboard_Buying_Guide-v1.1e.doc

These are some good online computer dealers to buy computers and computer parts from:
http://www.alienware.com/
http://www.falcon-nw.com/
http://www.newegg.com/
http://www.resellerratings.com/

Good forum for computer tips and computer help:
http://www.techimo.com/forum/

Answer 9

Price range for such a computer is £70 to £110 i.e $120-$200.

Answer 10

its good up until the 20 GB of hard drive, thats like nothing. an Ipod has moroe hard drive then that.